1. MAJ Robert Carter, III, Ph.D., M.P.H. Science and Technology Advisor U.S. Africa Command drrobertcarter@gmail.comdrrobertcarter@gmail.com or robert.carter@africom.milrobert.carter@africom.mil

2. 2 2 Purpose The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program, established in 1999, is a 1.6 billion dollar initiative funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for 20,000 outstanding students with significant financial need to reach their full potential.

3. 3 3 GMS initiative and has partnered with the following organizations: Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund American Indian Graduate Center Scholars Hispanic Scholarship Fund United Negro College Fund About the Program

4. 4 4  Over 7,100 Gates Millennium Scholars have completed a degree since the program’s inception  Average freshman retention rate 97%; sophomore rate 96%  Five-year graduation rate is 79.2% and over 90% in six years  35% of Gates Millennium Scholars transition to graduate school within one year after graduation  17% into a GMS funded field  18% into other graduate programs Program Accomplishments

5. 5 Not Just About Money… Student Leadership Conferences GMS Leadership Academies Scholar Connection Alumni Relations Program Mentoring Program

6. 6 The Application Process… 1. Nominator Form – Educator/Guidance Counselor Educator who is familiar with the student’s academic background completes the Nominator Form 2. Recommender Form – Community Service/Leadership Advocate Community member or individual who is aware of the student’s community service and leadership activities completes the Recommender Form and 3. Nominee Form – Student Student completes comprehensive Nominee Personal Information Form. Independent readers complete individualized reading and scoring assessment of each eligible Nominee in three major areas: A. academic achievement, B. community service, and C. leadership potential

7. 7 Nomination materials are available at www.gmsp.org www.gmsp.org A Complete Application Packet Consist of: 1. Student Application (Nominee Personal Information Form) 2. Educator’s evaluation of the student’s academic record (Nominator Form) 3. Evaluation of the student’s community service and leadership activities (Recommender Form)

8. 8 Who are Gates Scholars?